Progress Center for Policies – Policy Assessment:
Introduction:
The recent American announcement of a possible agreement between Morocco and Algeria within 60 days has surprised observers, especially given the silence from both Rabat and Algiers. This paper analyzes the background of the announcement, its geopolitical context, and the likelihood of reconciliation between the two North African rivals.
Key Details:
On October 19, 2025, Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Special Envoy for Middle East Peace under President Donald Trump, revealed in a CBS News “60 Minutes” interview that Washington is mediating a peace agreement between Morocco and Algeria.
“We’re working on the Morocco–Algeria file now. Our team is focused on it, and I believe there will be a peace agreement within the next 60 days,” Witkoff said.
Witkoff did not disclose details regarding the structure of the agreement or the handling of the Western Sahara conflict, but noted that recent successes—such as a ceasefire in Gaza—could lead to a “contagion of peace.”
On October 17, Massad Boulos (Trump’s senior adviser on African affairs and the father-in-law of Trump’s daughter) told Asharq News that Algeria seeks a “fundamental and final” resolution to the Western Sahara dispute.
Boulos stated that he met Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune recently and found him “open to rebuilding bridges of trust with the Moroccan people, the King, and the government.”
He described King Mohammed VI’s October 9 speech as “historic,” emphasizing the King’s pursuit of a solution acceptable to all sides.
These remarks come ahead of the UN Security Council session to renew the MINURSO mission in Western Sahara at the end of October 2025.
The U.S. draft resolution reportedly sets January 31, 2026, as a deadline for a mutually acceptable solution.
Historical Context:
The Morocco–Algeria rivalry dates back to the “Sand War” of 1963, a border conflict that erupted a year after Algeria’s independence.
Tensions deepened in 1975 over the Western Sahara, which Morocco claims as part of its sovereign territory, while Algeria supports the Polisario Front’s demand for self-determination.
The land border between the two countries has been closed since 1994, and in August 2021, Algeria cut diplomatic relations with Morocco, accusing it of “hostile acts.”
King Mohammed VI has repeatedly offered reconciliation, but Algeria has maintained a policy of non-engagement, even after President Tebboune’s election in 2019 and reelection in 2024.
Regional and Diplomatic Developments
During Trump’s first presidency, Morocco joined the Abraham Accords with Israel (2020), which fueled Algerian hostility, viewing the move as a “Moroccan–Israeli plot.”
In exchange for Morocco’s participation, Washington recognize
d Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, a position reaffirmed by the U.S. and later supported by key allies including France, Spain, Germany, and the UK.
Many African and Arab nations have since opened consulates in Laayoune, signaling support for Morocco’s autonomy plan.
The U.S. sees the Algeria–Morocco peace effort as part of its broader global mediation strategy, including Ukraine and Gaza, following a transactional diplomatic approach emphasizing trust-building and economic incentives.
Strategic Context:
Analysts argue that Trump seeks a new diplomatic achievement—to reinforce his image as a peacemaker who “ended seven wars.”
Washington’s push for rapprochement aligns with expanding U.S.–Algeria cooperation in security, defense, and strategic minerals, marking a shift from Algeria’s historical alignment with Russia.
Media leaks suggest the U.S. proposal includes a joint economic package, encompassing cross-border infrastructure projects, gradual border reopening, and regional security coordination.
Feasibility and Reactions:
Experts on North Africa remain skeptical about achieving reconciliation within 60 days, especially since neither government has officially commented on the U.S. initiative.
Observers note that Washington’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara signals an inherent bias toward Rabat, making it difficult for Algiers to compromise without altering its long-held stance.
Assessment and Outlook:
The Witkoff statement likely rests on credible diplomatic groundwork built through U.S. engagement with both capitals.
The Boulos remarks reinforce this, highlighting Tebboune’s openness to restoring ties.
U.S. mediation may involve a comprehensive economic framework sponsored by Washington.
The recent improvement in U.S.–Algeria relations, especially in security and mineral sectors, represents a strategic opening for American diplomacy.
Trump’s administration appears intent on cooling the Algeria–Morocco dispute as part of broader efforts to de-escalate global conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.
King Mohammed VI’s repeated calls for peace suggest that Rabat is ready for engagement.
The muted reaction from both governments may indicate that quiet negotiations are indeed taking place.
Both nations seem to be repositioning themselves within an evolving international landscape that favors conflict freezing and regional integration.
Conclusion;
Washington’s announcement may not guarantee a peace deal within 60 days, but it signals a serious U.S. diplomatic initiative to resolve one of North Africa’s most enduring conflicts. Whether Algeria and Morocco can translate this opportunity into real normalization will depend on their willingness to adapt to new geopolitical and economic realities driven by global powers.
